LDWF Agents Busy During Opening Weekend of Turkey Season

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents made six turkey baiting cases during the opening weekend of the 2013 turkey hunting season.

The six cases were made in East Feliciana, St. Helena, and Livingston parishes from March 23-25.

Agents cited Jerry Harris, 42, of Zachary on March 23 in East Feliciana Parish for allegedly hunting turkey over a baited area, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, failing to comply with turkey tagging regulations and not possessing a turkey stamp.

Randall Foto, 46, and Edward Philippe, 45, both of Mandeville, were cited for allegedly hunting turkey over a baited area in Livingston Parish on March 23.

Bobby Valentene, 48, from Hammond, was cited for allegedly hunting turkey over a baited area in St. Helena Parish on March 23.

Agents also cited Warren Womack, 69, from Clinton, and Cory Edwards, from Jackson, in East Feliciana Parish for allegedly hunting turkey over a baited area on March 25.

According to the 2013 Turkey Regulations pamphlet, no person shall hunt or take turkeys by the aid of baiting or on or over a baited area. Hunters are not allowed to place, expose, deposit or scatter corn, wheat or other grain, salt or other feed to lure turkeys to their hunting area.

Also, turkey hunters are required to possess Louisiana basic hunting and big game licenses, Louisiana wild turkey permit and turkey tags. In addition, shotguns capable of holding over three shells must be plugged with a one piece filler.

Hunting turkeys over a baited area and hunting without an unplugged gun each bring a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Failing to comply with turkey tagging regulations carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Not possessing a turkey stamp brings a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.